お花見 Cherry Blossom Viewing

Possibly the most anticipated event of the Japanese calendar has come and gone in the blink of an eye.

My student who is a Buddhist monk tried to explain the significance of cherry blossoms in Japanese culture; their fleeting opening and falling to the ground reminds us that life is short, yet beautiful. The flowers remind us to enjoy life and beautiful nature.

So in the spirit of the season (my third in Japan! Blimey!) I managed to squeeze in no less than three cherry blossom viewing events (known as o-hanami) into my busy schedule!!

• On the Sunday, the first hanami was my own Marshall English School's party, and students coming along meant lots of amazing home-cooked food!!! I myself prepared cold clam pasta, which seemed to go down pretty well!

 

Delicious rice balls and .. take-away pizza (!?)

 My boss opens up some champagne!

 With some of my students

• The following day on Monday I went on a bike ride before my afternoon classes along Meguro River, one of the most famous viewing spots in Tokyo and only about 3 minutes from my place, on an unseasonally hot day with my cowoker, Tom.

 So beautiful!!

 All dressed up to see the blossoms in suits and kimonos!

 We went exploring and stumbled upon this gorgeous hidden Japanese garden in Hiroo city

• By Wednesday the petals were already falling, and the white sakura near Toshi's house looked just like snow!

 Snowy-sakura!

Then we went on a drive (as we do) to a park with reportedly 40,000 cherry blossom trees near Tokorozawa City, though regrettably it was raining so I didn't get any decent pictures..


Coming up.. in 3 days is the start of my 9-day long Golden Week holiday!! I can't wait!
Toshi and I are planning 2 days camping, 3 days with the family in Osaka including a family vacation to Awaji Island for some sightseeing :D